Deborah James, a BBC presenter, died at the age of 40. The world learned about the prominent television personality’s six-year struggle with deadly colon cancer. Her death was announced by her family on Tuesday, June 28. They also said that her legacy would be carried forward via the Bowelbabe Fund.
Deborah James and her husband, Sebastien Bowen, have two children: Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 13 years old. In 2008, the pair married. Her family shared a memorial message on Instagram to inform followers of her death. According to the post:
“We are profoundly heartbroken to announce the passing of Dame Deborah James; the most incredible wife, daughter, sister, and mother.” Deborah died quietly today, surrounded by her loved ones. Deborah, also known as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration, and we are really proud of her and her work and devotion to philanthropic campaigning, fundraising, and her never-ending efforts to promote cancer awareness that affected so many people.”
Her family also reflected on her impact on the world in the message. Deborah James, better known as ‘bowelbabe,’ spoke out about her cancer diagnosis and struggle with her followers. James discussed her difficulties on the BBC podcast You, Me, and the Big C. She also wrote two books, F*** You Cancer: How to Face the Big C, Live Your Life, and Still Be Yourself, and How to Live When You Might Die. The latter also made it to the Amazon UK bestsellers list.
The piece concluded with a quotation from James that was used with her consent. She stated before she died:
“Live a life worth living; take chances; love honestly; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious optimism.” Finally, examine your poop – it may save your life.”
James spoke out to her one million Instagram followers about her therapy, progress, and diagnosis. In a recent post, the mother-of-two said that she anticipated reaching her forties and seeing her children graduate from high school.
Deborah James, 35, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer
In 2016, the London native was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at the age of 35. Cancer affects the big bowel, also known as the large intestine, according to Bowel Cancer UK. Cancer arises when the cells in the body begin to divide uncontrolled, according to Cancer Research UK. When cells in the large intestine become malignant, cancer may migrate to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. This is referred to as advanced bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer symptoms include changes in bowel habits, weight loss, blood in the stool, exhaustion, discomfort in the abdomen/back, and the sensation that you need to relieve yourself even after using the restroom. Tenesmus, or the sensation of needing to defecate despite the absence of faeces, is another symptom. Cancer may also result in intestinal blockage, making it difficult to pass feces. When intestinal blockage develops, one may suffer cramps, constipation, bloating, or nausea.
If you have these symptoms and go to a doctor, they would most likely do a rectal examination and test for iron deficiency. They will next be subjected to a flexible sigmoidoscopy. During this procedure, a long thin tube containing a camera and light is introduced into the rectum. A colonoscopy may also be performed.
